KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with exploring a direct disaster notification channel for residents, bypassing the use of Short Message Service (SMS), said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He stated that the disaster notification system should function similarly to mobile phone alerts used in countries like South Korea and Japan, where alerts appear directly on phones during disasters.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized the need for this system to provide warnings beyond just sirens, particularly in areas with rising water levels. He mentioned the importance of having mobile phones as platforms for receiving the latest alerts. Fahmi made these remarks at the launch of the Komuniti Siaga 221: Disaster-Resilient Community for Kampung Pasir Baru, organized by the Federal Territory Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
Fahmi, who is also the Unity Government spokesman, believes that implementing such disaster notifications would hel
p residents prepare for emergencies, especially in high-risk areas, and prevent untoward incidents. He noted that the disaster notification system could be implemented in Malaysia by coordinating efforts with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and added that MCMC is expected to complete its study on the matter within a month.
Meanwhile, speaking on the Komuniti Siaga 221 programme, Fahmi, who is also the MP for Lembah Pantai, described it as an excellent platform for enhancing preparedness and awareness among local residents to deal with various types of disasters. He expressed satisfaction with the significant efforts made by the Kampung Pasir Baru community in planning and equipping themselves after a series of disasters in 2021 and 2022.
The Komuniti Siaga 221 programme, introduced by APM, aims to provide training and emergency knowledge to residents in urban areas at risk of disasters and exposed to local security threats.